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| George Galloway MP |
'If I could have composed the perfect candidate to fight this seat then it would be Lee Jasper,' said George Galloway, the Respect MP. 'Lee has a stellar track record in activism and community involvement. As well as being a crucial member of Ken Livingstone's team in governing London, as Director for Policing and Equalities. His record of public service is unequalled.'
'I'm delighted to be the Respect candidate,' said Lee Jasper. 'Following George's amazing victory in Bradford West I welcome the opportunity to offer the people of Croydon North a viable alternative to the tired and failed politics of the mainstream political parties. The responsibility for the economic crisis lies with banks and not the people of Croydon North and yet they are seeing their services cut and the welfare reforms are causing real hardship and acute distress.'
Jasper said that the focus of his campaign will be to speak out for the poor, the elderly, the vulnerable, highlight and challenge the shared consensus on cuts and the austerity agenda, supported by Conservatives, Lib Dems and Labour. 'There has to be a strong argument in defence of the unemployed and the working poor and in favour of creating jobs and opportunities. We need fresh and dynamic approach to reducing crime, supporting the victims of the riots in their quest for compensation and tackling the strained relations between young people and the police are just some of our priorities. 'I will be a minority of those articulating that there is another way. I will be arguing against the austerity programme and for investment in public services and jobs. I am looking forward to taking these argument to the voters of Croydon North.'
The Croydon North by-election is likely to take place on 29 November.
Note
As adviser to the Mayor of London, Ken Livingstone as the Mayor's policy Director for Policing and Equalities Lee was responsible for the development, enactment and promotion of equalities policies and had corporate responsibility for the development and delivery of anti-discriminatory policies aimed at ensuring equality in employment practices and service delivery. He was also directly responsible for advising the mayor on policing issues. He has a 30-year record of engagement in public service challenging racism and injustice. He has a demonstrable track record of tackling crime and promoting equality.
